South Korea’s Government-Backed Showcase Unlocks K-Culture’s Next Wave in Kuala Lumpur

Come discover the Next Wave of K-Culture in Kuala Lumpur.

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) and the Korea Small Enterprise and Market Service (SEMAS), in collaboration with Leap Innovation Co. Ltd., has collaborated to launch the “2025 Global Showroom” Pop-Up Store at The Exchange TRX in Kuala Lumpur. 

Running from December 1 to December 14, this government-backed initiative, themed “The Radiant Korea World Showcase,” is designed to provide Korean Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with a vital platform to test the Malaysian market, gather real-time consumer feedback, and secure crucial export partnerships.

Strengthening Korea-Malaysia Bilateral Trade and SME Growth

This event serves as a strategic extension of the South Korean government's aggressive policy to globalize its SME sector and boost export competitiveness. By establishing a physical presence in a dynamic commercial hub like The Exchange TRX, a landmark recognized as a crucial driver of Kuala Lumpur’s modern retail and financial district, the MSS and SEMAS are demonstrating a direct commitment to strengthening economic ties with Malaysia.

Key Initiative Highlights:

Government Mandate: The Global Showroom is a core component of the MSS's support program, aimed at mitigating initial export risks for small businesses and building a sustainable foundation for overseas sales.

Market Intelligence: The pop-up is not merely a sales event; it is a live market research engine. On-site, real-time consumer insights, including purchase feedback, price suitability, and packaging preferences will be meticulously collected. This data will be compiled into a detailed report to help the 25 participating companies localize their strategy and product improvement for the Southeast Asian market.

YIPPI 推出在线直播 - 免费观赏第32届首尔歌谣大赏

2023 年咯，大家准备好迎接这美好的一年了吗？在这个充满朝气的时节，大家喜爱的韩国演艺圈的各大颁奖典礼也一个个地即将开始咯。当中，歌谣界的颁奖典礼将会一如往常的由首尔歌谣大赏领头举办 ，定于2023年1月19日下午6点在首尔奥林匹克公园 KSPO DOME 举行。

由韩国首尔体育报举办的首尔歌谣大赏自1990年成立至今，是韩国历史最悠久的颁奖典礼。作为韩国不可缺失的 颁奖典礼，所有类型的歌手，包括抒情歌曲、嘻哈、R&B和乐队都会由过去一年里的表现在此颁奖典礼受到表彰。

第32届的大赏将于2023年1月19日下午6点在首尔奥林匹克公园 KSPO DOME 举行，而首尔歌谣大赏红毯将在下午4点(马来西亚时间)开始。

从2022年12月6日通过官方网站公布的提名名单，入围获得本赏（Bonsang）的一些火红备受期待的歌手包括 BTS、(G)I-dle、Aespa、林英雄、Blackpink、少女时代、Twice、 Ateez、姜丹尼尔和 Monsta X 等等。

K-Crunch Menu @ Marrybrown - a Flavourful Korean-inspired Meal

Calling all foodies, it is time to embark on another delicious food trip as Malaysia’s most popular and largest homegrown Halal Quick Service Restaurant, Marrybrown invites you to say Sarang-K on their latest Around the World journey! Available nationwide at all Marrybrown outlets, Malaysians can now say annyeong to Marrybrown’s K-Crunch menu - a flavourful Korean-inspired meal that will leave your tastebuds with a fiery yet sweet surprise.

With decades of experience serving quality food to its Memang Best fans, Marrybrown has been upholding its mission of offering “something different” and delicious that cater to the tastebuds of Malaysians. This October, Marrybrown is pleased to present an exciting menu of their famous succulent crispy chicken coated with tantalisingly sweet and spicy Gangjeong sauce. Fans can expect nothing less than top-tier quality meals on top of experiencing the excitement of K-culture when indulging in Marrybrown’s K-Crunch menu!

“Modern Korean culture has steadily gained momentum in Malaysia. From this wave, Malaysians have found their way of creating their own K-pop-related moments. Similar to how Malaysians love integrating Korean culture into their own, at Marrybrown, we’re also embracing the Hallyu wave in our food with our own Malaysian twist to make it extra inviting,” said Dato’ Joshua Liew, Chief Executive Officer of Marrybrown.

Crispy 2-pc K-Crunch Chicken combo

Like Korea’s electrifying pop culture, the K-Crunch menu is nothing short of sensational made from the finest quality of ingredients that encapsulates the Korean taste perfectly. Fans can now be transported to the heart of Seoul with just a bite of the crispy 2-pc K-Crunch Chicken combo accompanied by their well-seasoned french fries, and their special K-Fizz drink infused with refreshing flavours of yuzu and passion fruit, priced from RM20.90.

“Annyeong, Malaysia!” Olive Young, Korea’s No.1 Health & Beauty Store, is now in Guardian Malaysia!

What happens when the No.1 Health and Beauty stores in Malaysia and Korea meet? Good news: Guardian and Olive Young have partnered together to bring K-beauty directly to Malaysian fans! Without leaving the country, you can shop four Olive Young exclusive brands at Guardian, both online and at selected stores nationwide.

Explore and experience shopping like never before, only at Olive Young’s 1st virtual store in Malaysia!

Olive Young Exclusive Brands & Hero Products:

Bring Green

Launched in 2018, Bring Green is a cosmeceutical brand made from biologically active compounds that bring positive effects to the skin. A huge emphasis is placed on the use of all-natural ingredients like tea tree, cica, carrot, and artemisia.

Bring Green Tea Tree Cica Soothing Toner (250ml, RM67.00)

The No.1 toner at Olive Young Korea!

La' Piel Labs - All Green, Natural Skincare from Korea

As I aged, I became more conscious of ingredient lists and the environmental impact of skincare products. I have been choosing natural skincare products whenever possible for years now because I believe that, when it comes to beauty, less is always more.

I have recently come across La' Piel Labs, a premium skincare brand from Korea. I love that their skincare products are cruelty-free and sustainable, and they are manufactured with over 90% naturally derived EWG All Green ingredients.

In fact, La' Piel Labs means ‘skin laboratory’, with the aim to develop products with a fundamental approach to tackling skin concerns. They have bottled the vital power of a flower hidden under the waters, Blue Green Algae, found in pure lakes and holding onto its self-regeneration abilities through thousands of years - so that your skin may harmonise with nature and flourish with a bloom of moisture.

I am happy to experience the powers of hydration and anti-aging with their AQUA DE LUCIR series. I fell in love at first sight with its minimalist packaging to the naturally derived EWG All Green ingredients. I apply both Hydro Softener Spray and Hydro Enrich Cream every day and night for more than 2 weeks now. Let’s scroll down to check how they benefited my skin.

LA'PIELLABS Aqua De Lucir Hydro Softener Spray (100ml | RM149)

The Hydro Softener Spray is made with blue green algae and 83% lavender flower water to refreshingly soothe dried-out skin and provide ample nutrients, suppresses the skin damages caused by active oxygen and aids in skin barrier fortification and hydration.

How I Get a Brighten Skin and Fight Anti-aging with ACELABS Lumiere Diamond Skincare

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, they said. Not only the diamond gemstone sparkle and shine, it is also a great ingredient in skincare for us to get illuminating and glowing skin.

I have recently tried out ACELABS Lumiere Diamond skincare range that is infused with REAL Diamond Powder which promises an intensive brightening effect. Supported with S.M.A.R.T care Technology, it helps to delay the aging process for a youthful appearance. In fact, ACELABS is new to me. But I am confident because it is actually an International brand supported by a team of R&D in the UK and the products are proudly made in Korea.

ACELABS team is scientifically committed to creating high-efficacy products with safe and bioactive formulations to restore and transform skin health, enabling us to radiate confidence from the inside out. Not only that, ACELABS products do not contain harmful ingredients, and are suitable for all skin types, even the sensitive ones. It is non-allergenic and non-comedogenic as well as Dermatologically-tested.

I was attracted to its simple yet elegant packaging at first. To my surprise, this cosmeceutical brand actually is very affordably priced. Hence I do not hesitate to give the products a try recently.

Read on to know how I get a brightened skin and fight anti-aging with ACELABS Lumiere Diamond Skincare.

1. Lumiere Low pH Diamond Essence Cleanser (100ml | RM49)

Soothe & Restore Your Skin with SNP Cicaronic Prep Set

I have been trying a few Cicaronic skincare ranges these few years, here’s the sharing of the most impressive ones - SNP Cicaronic Prep Set.

SNP is a South Korea skincare brand famous for its facial mask. This year, SNP has launched the Cicaronic Prep Set to rescue sensitive skin. The SNP Cicaronic skincare range consists of cleansing foam, toning essence, ampoule, soothing cream and daily mask. It is a complete skincare regime for the day and night.

The SNP Cicaronic skincare range is infused with Centella asiatica and 3 Hyaluronic acid layers that provide nutrients while calming and taking care of our skin. The exclusive relieving & moisture formula offers the best solution to soothe and restore our skin.

Let’s look into the products:

Cicaronic Cleansing Foam (180ml | MYR 79.90)

I like the big tube of Cicaronic cleansing foam that can last me for months. The white colored cleanser is easy to foam up. Its mild formula cleanses my skin without drying it out. My skin feels clean, fresh and moist after using it.

All-New AHC Age Defense Real Eye Cream for Face

AHC, the #1 Korean Aesthetic Skincare Brand has just announced its latest innovation is available in Malaysia! The all-new AHC Age Defense Real Eye Cream for Face is a 2-in-1 anti-aging cream for the eyes and face, clinically proven to improve 7 kinds of wrinkles1 in just 7 days2.

AHC is known for being the pioneer brand to break category moulds and elevate an eye cream into the realm of total facial care. As eye creams, in comparison to other skincare products, have the highest concentration of the most advanced anti-aging technology, AHC developed the Real Eye Cream for Face series – a highly efficacious yet gentle cream that can be used on both the eyes and face to provide resilience, hydration, brightening, and nourishing effects. Evident to AHC’s success is the award-winning Eye Cream for Face series, which is the No. 1 eye cream in Korea where 1 is sold every 3 seconds.

Stephanie Ko, AHC SEAA Marketing Manager, says AHC’s latest addition to this award-winning franchise is a 2-in-1 anti-aging cream made with GOLD PEPTIVETM that can be used as an eye cream and a face moisturizer for total age defense! AHC Age Defense Real Eye Cream for Face visibly lifts, firms and reduces fine lines and wrinkles in just 7 days. It also works instantly to improve skin hydration by 124% and skin elasticity by 14% after one use.

Each tube of AHC Age Defense Real Eye Cream for Face contains AHC’s trademarked ingredient called GOLD PEPTIVE™ that goes through AHC’s patented ultrafine microemulsion technology for better absorption and better age-defying effects. Coating peptides with gold promotes the synthesis of collagen by 173%; and helps improve its stability and retention of efficacy, which is the secret behind AHC’s latest innovative anti-aging solution.

Mamonde New Holiday Makeup Look for 2020

Get ready to the Holiday season with Mamonde New Holiday Makeup Look! Mamonde, the flower-inspired Korean beauty brand is introducing two new looks this holiday season - 'Delicious Rosy' and 'Subtle Pink' makeup look.

The holiday makeup look are easy to create and gives us a radiant, glowy look. Let's be the trendsetter at holiday parties!

Start off with the new Mamonde All Stay Foundation Glow. It is curated using ‘High-Refractive Oil Complex’ Technology which produces oil that will remain on the skin’s surface for a natural glow, keeping the skin looking radiant and bright. This foundation is also formulated with a rich moisture delivery formula, which is infused with Damask Rose Water and intensive Hyaluronic Acid that replenishes moisture to your skin, leaving your skin feeling dewy and hydrated throughout the day.

The All Stay Foundation Glow has a blend of soft textured formula and lightweight tinge of colour that works to visibly smoothen uneven skin tone upon application. Its liquid formulation makes it easy to blend with any blending tools such as your makeup brush, sponge, or even with your fingers. With SPF 50 and PA ++++, your skin will also be protected from the harmful UV rays and radiate with a natural glow.

Birds Nest' Infused Skin Care by The JMsolution

We Chinese believe that Birds' nest is good for skin, beauty and health. Thanks to the technology, we could also pamper our skin with Birds Nest' infused skin care now. Introducing the JMsolution Active Birds Nest' Double Ampoule and Moisture Cream that provide intensive moisture, improve and brighten dull complexion.

As a total skincare brand from South Korea, JMsolution has used the premium ingredients such as Golden Birds' Nest Extract, Collagen and Triple Hyaluronic Acid in the Active Birds Nest' skincare range.

JMsolution Active Birds Nest' Double Ampoule (30ml RM139)

Beautifully packed in a transparent pump bottle, JMsolution Active Birds Nest' Double Ampoule is suitable for people who need intensive moisture for dry skin, improve and brighten dull complexion.

The formula contains patented Platolwhite complex and silver thread capsules that burst on skin upon application, forming a barrier that retains moisture. It helps brighten skin to revitalize dull complexion, it moisturizes skin to keep it youthful and supple.

Mamonde Brings Flower Energy Experience to Customers Through Augmented Reality Technology

Mamonde, a Korean beauty brand under Amorepacific Malaysia is bringing its flower energy experience to customers via an Augmented Reality platform in conjunction with its Global Brand Campaign themed “Blossoming Life: Experience the Flower Energy”. This campaign is held from 8 September to 31 October 2020. This global brand campaign aims to bring a unique virtual brand experience to customers at the comfort of their home or office amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

This interactive virtual AR experience, which will be available from 16 September, will take customers on a Mamonde floral journey to discover the efficacies of flowers used in its products, products benefits, skincare tips and tricks, as well as finding one that is most suitable for the customer. At the end of the journey, customers can decide to either collect samples or purchase products from Watsons’ online store.

Another interesting feature of this virtual AR experience is an Instagram filter that displays each product’s positive effects on the skin to provide customers with an understanding on what the products can do for them.

To participate in this journey, all that the participants need to do is scan the QR code that can be found at Watsons stores or its website. Alternatively, participants can access the AR platform using their mobile phone browser via this link: https://blossominglife.mamondegarden.my/

Kbeauty - JMsolution Mask

Sheet masks is a popular skincare product that we Asian love a lot. I love sheet masks because they can always work wonders for any skin type. It is convenient to use at any time, any day. Just apply a sheet mask on the skin for a quick 10 to 15 minutes to achieve great skin.

This time, we get to try out the popular sheet mask from Korea - JMsolution Mask. With the slogan of “The best experts, the best ingredients, the best solutions.” , JMsolution has over 8 billion masks sold in 2 years and hence is the “sheet mask specialist” in Korea.

Backed by science, powered by nature. Founded in Korea, JMsolution has a strong fanbase around the world, catering to mask lovers who indulge in daily care. Created by professionals, JMsolution products deliver safe & reliable solutions to give you healthy, ideal beauty.
JMsolution offers a wide range of sheet masks to choose from. I have chosen the following 3 according to my skin's need.

Water Luminous S.O.S Ringer Mask (Best Seller)

Water Luminous S.O.S Ringer Mask does not only fully moisturized your skin but also soothe skin comfortably. Maximized hyaluronic acid, collagen, peptide, aquaxyl provide intensive moisture re-chargenment while giving enough moist to your skin.

Mama Pureness Aqua Mask

KUNDAL Honey & Macadamia Body Wash - White Musk Review

Annyeonghaseyo, many of us are watching Korean drama during the lock down at home, I have almost turn to a Korean now! As a beauty blogger, I am into Korean beauty care for years. Recently, I have been introduce to a new brand in Malaysia market - KUNDAL.

Originated from Korea, KUNDAL is a NATURAL DAILY TOTAL CARE BRAND, made with its unique know-hows on various natural extracts blended with the rich nutrition and moisturizing properties of macadamia fruit obtained in nature.

KUNDAL products is infused with Natural ingredients that resemble nature. Hence I did not hesitate to give their Honey & Macadamia Body Wash - White Musk a try.

KUNDAL Honey & Macadamia Body Wash - White Musk (500ml | RM 28)

I like that KUNDAL Honey & Macadamia Body Wash contains 23 different natural extracts, including 42% aloe vera leaf extract and patented ingredients (beauty tree CC, biomimetic fluid tears) with anti-aging function. It also contains 3 vegetable oils to moisturize the skin, giving soft and smooth feelings after shower. It helps maintain pH balance because it is pH 5.6, a weakly acidic body wash.

Korea's Beauty Trends for Year 2020

2020 is set to see the current as well as new K-Beauty trends dominating the market. An emphasis on natural ingredients of high efficacy is set to be the skincare focus of the coming year. This is supported by the trend of environmental and health awareness with more consumers preferring cosmetics made from natural ingredients.

Another factor which sparks the demand for more natural cosmetics is also due to skin irritation which seems to be a common skin problem today. Skin irritation can be caused by a variety of factors such as pollution and harsh weather conditions, which can result in weakened skin barrier. In addressing the needs of consumers today, the use of natural botanical and plant-based ingredients will take precedence offering skin calming, skin relief, soothing and repairing functions, as well as tone up brightening and blemish care.

Studies have revealed that flowers promote various forms of skin health such as increasing skin immunity and reducing cell tiredness, among others. This is evident in products such as the Red Energy Serum that has the pomegranate flower and fruit in its formulation to help stimulate keratinocyte cells (skin cells), revitalizing exhausted skin, and bringing the skin back to its optimal condition.

Christmas 2019 Gift Idea - Mamonde’s K-Beauty Essentials Set

In the blink of an eye, Christmas is right around the corner! It’s time to treat yourself and your loved one the gift of glowing skin with Mamonde’s specially curated K-Beauty Essentials set this festive season. Bid farewell to the wrapping paper this Christmas as the K-Beauty Essentials set comes in an exclusive festive packaging! Beautifully bundled in a dainty navy blue box adorned with delicate floral motifs and gold detailing, this set is the perfect addition under any Christmas tree. Irrespective of age, this specially curated set is perfect for everyone as it contains almost all the essential items for a complete skincare routine that is suited for a variety of skin types.

The K-Beauty Essentials Set includes: 

1. Floral Hydro Cream (50ml) 

The Floral Hydro Cream features naturally extracted Narcissus Water and low molecular hyaluronic acid which helps restore the skin’s hydration from deep within. This refreshing cream delivers a cooling sensation once applied, which instantly helps calm the skin and leaves it looking plump and refreshed.

2. Rose Water Toner (250ml) 

One of Mamonde’s best-selling products, the Rose Water Toner is a staple in the routines of K-Beauty enthusiasts. Infused with 90.97% rosewater extracted from the Damask Rose, this toner helps to deliver exceptional soothing and moisturizing care to the skin. The Rose Water Toner is also the raved about toner in the Korean 7-skin method. 3. Lip Sleeping Mask (20ml) Created with a special blend of plum blossom enzyme paired with AHA, the Lip Sleeping Mask not only exfoliates the lips and help boost dead skin cell turnover, but also benefits from the moisturizing properties of plum blossom extract which delivers rich nourishment and moisture to the lips. Wake up with the perfect pout thanks to the powerful oil-moisture barrier, which locks in hydration for perfectly plump, moisturized lips.

Park Shin Hye Officiates The Launch of Mamonde Red Energy Recovery Serum at Watsons stores

Mamonde’s brand ambassador and top Korean actress Park Shin Hye was here in Malaysia to officiate the launch of the Mamonde Red Energy Recovery Serum at Watsons stores nationwide. The Red Energy Recovery Serum is a premium product by Mamonde that addresses skin aging as well as helps to recover and revitalise exhausted skin, bringing it back to its optimal condition.

Made up of two key ingredients, pomegranate and Blossoming Energy, the serum creates smooth and supple skin that glows from within by strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier and promoting the skin’s turnover cycle.

The Blossoming Energy, derived from a 28-year study of flowers is Mamonde’s latest innovation. It is a special active ingredient that helps to boost skin’s energy. Through the observation of flowers throughout their lifecycle; inclusive of changes in colour and temperature, Mamonde has discovered a unique component that helps flowers to bloom and survive longer than its usual lifespan. This component was extracted, tested on skin and has since been developed to become the core ingredient for the Red Energy Recovery Serum, bringing forth properties that boosts skin’s energy and return it to its healthiest state.

Korea’s #1 Aesthetic Skin Care Brand is Now @ Watsons

Calling all K-beauty fans, beauty addicts and skincare junkies, Korea’s #1 aesthetic skincare brand, AHC is finally here in Malaysia!

Speaking at the brand’s official launch in collaboration with Watsons, Stephanie Ko, AHC Marketing Manager, Southeast Asia & Australia shares the Korean secret to glass skin: Koreans believe in perfecting the skin before applying any makeup for dewy, soft ‘Chok Chok’ skin – where hydration is key to resolve and prevent major skin concerns, including anti-ageing, dull and atopic skin. AHC prides itself in ensuring that hydration is a core benefit in every skincare range. In fact, AHC stands for “Aesthetic Hydration Cosmetics”.

While there have been many Korean beauty brands that have landed on our shores, AHC stands out as the only skincare brand that was originally developed for high-end aesthetic clinics in South Korea. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, AHC is a pioneering Korean beauty brand that is renowned for its premium ingredients, advanced cutting-edge technologies and luxurious yet affordable skincare products – including the best-selling Eye Cream for Face series which is Korea’s #1 eye cream that even Hollywood celebrities such as Anne Hathaway swear by.

“Among all skincare products, eye creams have the highest concentration of the most advanced anti-aging technology. AHC’s The Real Eye Cream for Face series was developed with that concept in mind – a highly efficacious yet gentle cream that can be used on both the eyes and face. AHC is the first brand in the market to break category moulds and elevate an eye cream into the realm of total facial care to provide resilience, hydration, brightening, and nourishing effects”, explained Stephanie. This award-winning and iconic product is the epitome of AHC’s aesthetic skincare expertise.

Besides its award-winning Eye Cream for Face series, AHC introduces a new line of innovative products developed from Korean aesthetic expertise – Minimal 10, and Natural Essential mask range.

The Best Anti-Aging Serum of 2019 - belif Youth Creator Age Knockdown Bomb

Aging is an inevitable, no ones could stop the time and stop growing old. Sadly, our physical changed when we are catching up with age. Fine lines, wrinkles, dull and saggy skin are a few unfavorable symptoms that no one could escape. These symptoms started to appear from mid-20s and early-30s hence early prevention is encouraged. Moreover, aging becomes more aggressive as we are living in the harsh and polluted environment.

Now, are you thinking of going under the knife or other aesthetic treatments are the only solution to stop skin aging? Absolutely No! In fact, we can try to maintain a youthful skin with natural herbal and nutrients skincare product.

I was delighted to find out the new belif Youth Creator Age Knockdown Bomb last week. I had a very good experience using belif aqua bomb a few years ago, hence I couldn't wait to try out their newly launch Youth Creator Age Knockdown Bomb.

I heard that belif has designed the latest Youth Creator Age Knockdown Bomb to “K.O. Your age”. It is a total anti-aging serum for essential daily care.